Pedagoical Statement:

To sum up my personal emerging pedagogy in theory, I believe my pedagogy is based in social constructivism. As a teacher, I want my students to learn actively; when they ask questions, I want to physicalize an answer as best as I can so that they can answer it themselves next time it is asked. I hope to help my students make connections in their work, especially connecting with their passions in life, whether it is directly correlating with the work we are exploring or not. I think it is important to have a drive and passion for what you are learning about. In group settings, I hope to uplift my students' voices and offer them a space to share their unique perspectives of knowledge. In the past, I have attempted to do this in my classes, but didn’t have the specific tools to do so, and I am thankful to have been introduced to David Takacs’ “How Does Your Positionality Bias Your Epistemology” and Jessia Hartley’s “Vulnerability in a Crisis: Pedagogy, Critical Reflection and Positionality in Actor Training”, both of which have provided systems in which I can actively and more intentionally create this space for my students. More specifically, I try to implement a gender-neutral education in my practices, especially with early ages, as it is currently rooted in many western based systems and affects how students grow up and beliefs in how they can learn. 

Introducing me:

I am currently teaching voice lessons, theatre and dance classes at Bright Lights Theatre and Sunshine Dance Company during the Fall and Spring, while leading weekly camps in the summer!

The dance styles I teach include Musical Theatre, Pre-K Tap/Ballet, and a beginners dance for ages 3-4! My acting classes consist of lessons in the basics of acting, improvisation, scene work, acting through song, and much more fun!

I started assistant teaching Children’s Theatre classes and camps my sophomore year of high school when Bright Lights Theatre opened up in the Chicago suburbs. Since then, I have found a passion in teaching others why I have so much fun acting, singing, dancing, and storytelling. Over the years, I have taught classes with other instructors and on my own to students ages 3-18, in addition to music directing and choreographing many musical camps over the summer! I love teaching and working with younger students, however, I have also had the chance to be a teaching assistant to the UWSP Voice and Articulation BFA course my senior year and was able to work with those emerging professionals as well. From both children and adults, I think one of the most rewarding things I have gained from teaching is what I learn from my students. I learn better ways to understand my students and teach efficiently while also learning new games and techniques from their own experiences outside of my classrooms.